One afternoon the first of this week, I was on the patio waiting for Ann when she called from the den: “Would you like to do a 5K with me?” I had no idea what it was, but I like “Special K,” so figured it couldn’t be all that bad, certainly better than the chips we typically share.

“Sure!” I called back.

A few minutes later when she came out without a snack, I felt a bit stupid learning she didn’t mean a crunchy “K” but rather distance in the parlance of metrics.

She asked if I was onboard to join a 5K walk/run event for charity and I gave her another assent. I don’t remember exactly what the function is called, but it’s an Operation Onslow shindig. I’m sure it’s a worthy cause and I do remember it kicks off in October.

(Note: The Operation Onslow 5K Glow Run/Walk will be held on Oct. 12. Visit operationonslow.org for information).

So in preparation for the event, a few nights ago Ann and I had our initial “training” session. We walked the dogs around the neighborhood to begin getting into condition. We didn’t travel anywhere near 5 klicks, but the puppies probably did.

Ann and I walked relatively straight keeping to the streets, which aren’t all that long. However, Maggie and Sasha greatly magnified the distance by zigzagging back and forth inspecting each and every spot, strain, stick, tree, clump, post and bush.

When we finally herded them back home, I mentioned I thought it’d be better if we walked without the little hair-missiles in the future. But the jury is still out whether they’re left home for subsequent walks.

We’ll gauge their level of anxiety and whining as we’re closing the door to leave. Mag and Sash know we’re pushovers when it comes to them, so they play us like fish at a poker table.

I can’t imagine how dogs’ owners ever became known as their “masters.” Sometimes I think “slaves” hits much closer to the nail.

Holy exercise, after that first sashay around the neighborhood, my legs were already getting a bit sore, even with that ridiculously abbreviated jaunt. I didn’t realize just how out of shape I’d become.

Of course, what’d I expect? How much physical activity is involved in moving between two office chairs, a recliner and my bed? My idea of “feeling the burn” is simply parking way out in Food Lion’s parking lot and toting multiple bags to my car.

The following night after our maiden voyage, we walked without puppies and covered a whole lot more distance with more walking and less sniffing. Whew!

Page 2 of 2 - By the time we got back home, I mentioned we’d probably done a ton of miles, but Ann broke my bubble noting we’d left less than an hour ago. OK, maybe it wasn’t many miles but I’ve read about space and time warps. It did seem farther.

So I’m now vested in doing this 5K thing and am actually looking forward to it. I’ll be ready knowing it to be “Walk/Run” and not wanting to degrade it into a “Walk/Run/Crawl” event.

Otis Gardner’s column appears here weekly. He can be reached at ogardner@embarqmail.com.